Archive for the ‘Updates’ Category

With the establishment of the Crimson Legion and the Brotherhood of the Ebon Circle, a balance in resistance was created. This constant conflict leaves many injured and dead in its wake. Their casualties are not being replaced by new recruits quickly enough to maintain their ranks. Supply and demand creates opportunity. Many warriors have no interest in politics or fighting for a cause, but coin is required by all.

The Legion and the Brotherhood scoured the land, hiring anyone they could find to fight for their cause. This was resource intensive, inefficient, and did not provide them with nearly the amount of warriors they required. Governments would help with money under the table, but could not provide forces showing public support for either cause.

This situation spawned a group that call themselves the Mercs. A few entrepreneurial warriors banded together and the mercenary faction was formed. Now the Legion and Brotherhood have a steady supply of warriors to help them destroy each other. As long as they keep killing each other, the Mercs will have a steady stream of income. Neither faction has been able to get the Mercs to side one way or another because the Mercs need the Legion and the Brotherhood. Without both, the flow of gold ends.

The Mercs crest is simplicity itself and is as straight forward as their faction name: A sword and axes. They are weapons for hire and that is what their crest speaks to. Hire them and they will remain loyal for the duration of their contract.

We will see what fate lies in store for the Mercs. Will they continue to worship the almighty coin or choose a side in the ongoing conflict? If you have no stance on the war on slavery, then the Mercs may be a good place for you. They do not involve themselves in politics and will do business with supporters of both the Legion and the Brotherhood.

Once the Serndall trade route was opened to all, the slave market exploded. Access to new sources of slaves were now available to slave raiders, and a neutral ground was formed for trade between all nations.

Over time, revolutionaries appeared who believed that slavery was immoral and needed to be stopped. No nation would stand against slavery, fearing an economic collapse, so those fighting against slavery started their own: the Free Nation.

All were welcome to live within the Free Nation with one stipulation: they must devote their lives to the abolishment of slavery, and prove to be productive members of the fledgling society.

At first, the Free Nation grew in secrecy, as their location was unknown to anyone but those that had joined. Eventually growing large enough, other nations became aware of their existence. By that time, the Free Nation was established as a defensible and productive land, though the location of their main base of operations has still not been discovered.

Many of the surrounding nations tried to destroy the upstart Free Nation, but they could not break the spirit of these people who were devoted to their cause. No one expected them to grow as quickly as they did, and no one realized how much revenge can fuel the spirit.

The Free Nation initially grew from escaped and freed slaves who had jumped at the chance of joining a nation of their own, offering protection and giving them a chance at freedom and revenge. The Free Nation population and infrastructure quickly grew to a point where they could effectively defend their lands, and prepare for the day that others would unite to wipe them out.

During this period of growth, the Free Nation had to attend to the normal needs of a rapidly expanding society, so they could no longer focus strictly on abolishing slavery. The need to feed their people, clear the lands, build cities and towns and create a strong economy became paramount.

And thus the beginnings of the Crimson Legion. A faction, created by Free Nation warriors, devoting their lives to destroy and stop the Brotherhood of the Ebon Circle, free slaves, and protect their home from outside aggression. All races of free people are welcome.

The Legion’s crest is a crimson rising dragon. This represents a people rising from tyranny and slavery – a symbol to begin their lives anew; rising up and fighting for their new world and the cause of freedom.

The Grand Arena of Serndall is set in the world of Valgaard, where the nations are at peace and factions wage their own personal war.

The Brotherhood of the Ebon Circle runs the slave trade in Valgaard, while the Crimson Legion is sworn to abolish slavery in all forms. You must pick a side to compete in the Grand Arena, the most famous gladiatorial coliseum in Valgaard, which is located in Serndall. If you are not interested in the conflict over slavery, then you can join the Mercenaries faction.

Each faction has a headquarters in Serndall devoted to the training of their gladiators to gain fame and fortune for their cause and individual glory.

There are four races to choose from in Valgaard: Elves, Dwarves, Orks, and Humans. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, all of which depend on the profession you choose to pursue. The five professional classes allowed to compete in the Grand Arena are Warriors, Thieves, Wizards, Monks, and Assassins.

With hundreds of weapons and armor to choose from, you will need lots of gold to equip yourself with what you need to win in the Grand Arena. Gain experience by sparring with your teammates in your faction headquarters so you can learn to use the more advanced equipment. This is also a quick way to earn the gold needed to make it through the day in Serndall. When you think you are ready, well equipped, and experienced enough, enter the Grand Arena to duel other hopefuls. You must fight your way through the contenders if you one day hope to be the Champion of the Grand Arena. There can be only one Champion in the Grand Arena, and they will not give up that title easily.

When you are not battling or training, take a load off your shoulders and explore Serndall. Visit the local tavern and buy a round for the house. Maybe you are a gambling gladiator? The tavern regulars would be happy to take your gold in a game of chance. If that isn’t your cup of tea, go place a bet on the next round of scheduled duels.

There are many places you will need to become familiar with in Serndall. Know where the equipment shops are and make friends with the healers. They will come in handy when you are bleeding out and at the edge of death. If you just aren’t making the cut in the Grand Arena, go visit one of the training academies and hone those skills of yours. Then the Grand Arena dogs will have to show you some respect. I also hear of great treasures hidden somewhere deep within Serndall.

Be careful who you upset, or the streets of Serndall can become a dangerous place. You can always hide out in the Inn, but nothing will protect you forever. Unfortunately you can’t please everyone and your actions have consequences. You will build up your notoriety with the Brotherhood and the Legion, so be careful who you upset. Whatever you do, try not to get on both of their bad sides.

Join us in the Grand Arena and make your run for Champion. Enjoy your time in Serndall and lead your faction to glory and influence within the city. This is a struggle between factions, and you cannot gain in Serndall without putting someone down to get there. You must beat down your fellow gladiators in order to be the Champion. There is no other way.